Academic Programs Catalog

College of Natural Science

Interdepartmental Minors and Specializations

Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies

The Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies is available as an elective to all students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. Students completing the minor will gain knowledge and skills essential for understanding the biological and physical environment that is inhabited and influenced by humans; managing complex interactions between humans and natural systems; and understanding how policy-making impacts and shapes environmental and sustainability outcomes. The College of Natural Science is the primary administrative unit for the minor with support from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the Eli Broad College of Business, College of Engineering, and College of Social Science.

Students who have declared the intent to complete the minor or who have declared a major preference for a bachelor’s degree program in one of the above listed colleges may elect to live in residence and participate in the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE). Students who elect this option will be housed in Bailey Hall in the Brody Neighborhood. This integrated living-learning program allows for students from multiple colleges and disciplines to develop a sense of community and promotes a team approach to managing complex problems.

With prior written approval from the RISE Coordinator who administers a course in the minor, another course may be substituted for a course from the list of approved courses. Before a student requests a substitution, the student should consult with their academic advisor to ensure that the substitution will not adversely affect the requirements for their degree program.

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies

The student must complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following:

1.

Biological and Physical Dimensions. Two of the following courses (6 or 7 credits):

CSS

210

Fundamentals of Soil Science

3

CSS

442

Agricultural Ecology

3

CSS

455

Environmental Pollutants in the Soil and Water

3

ENT

319

Introduction to Earth System Science

3

FOR

404

Forest Ecology

3

FW

364

Ecological Problem Solving

3

GEO

203

Introduction to Meteorology

3

GEO

206

Physical Geography

3

GLG

201

The Dynamic Earth

4

ZOL

355

Ecology

3

2.

Coupled Human and Natural Systems. Two of the following courses (5 to 8 credits):

ANS

427

Environmental Toxicology and Society

3

COM

399

Special Topics in Communication

3

CSUS

200

Introduction to Sustainability

3

CSUS

300

Theoretical Foundations of Sustainability

3

CSUS

310

History of Environmental Thought and Sustainability

3

EEP

320

Environmental Economics

3

EEP

405

Corporate Environmental Management

3

ENT

205

Pests, Society and Environment

3

ENE

280

Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science

3

FW

211

Introduction to Gender and Environmental Issues

3

ISS

310

People and Environment (I)

4

JRN

472

Special Topics Laboratory in Environmental Reporting

3

JRN

473

Special Topics Seminar in Environmental, Health and Science Journalism

3

NSC

292

Applications in Environmental Studies

2

PHL

342

Environmental Ethics

3

PKG

370

Packaging and the Environment

3

SOC

452

Environment and Society

3

UP

353

Land Use Planning

4

3.

Environmental Policy and Law. One of the following courses (3 credits):

CSUS

265

Exploring Environmental and Sustainability Issues and Policy Using Film

3

CSUS

465

Environmental Law and Policy

3

FOR

466

Natural Resource Policy

3

FW

445

Biodiversity Conservation Policy Practice

3

GBL

480

Environmental Law and Sustainability for Business: From Local to Global

3

ZOL

446

Environmental Issues and Public Policy

3

4.

Freshmen students who elect the RISE Option are required to complete Natural Science 192.